FSU Escapes With a Win Over Miami

In the first half Florida State took nearly 10 minutes to knock down their first bucket, shot 5-26 (19%) from the field, and turned the ball over on 27% of their possessions. In the 2^nd half the Noles only converted 2-12 (17%) free throws. Yet they leave Coral Gables with a 55-53 victory, and are now 4-1 in the ACC for the first time in 18 years.

In a crawling 61 possession game FSU held the high-powered Hurricane offense to their 2^nd worst output of the year (.87 PPP). And the Noles did just enough on the offensive end to hang on, including a 12-0 run late in the game to take the first lead of the night. Terrance Shannon was the only Seminole in double figures with 10. Chris Singleton was 2-13 from the field, 0-6 from 3, and missed the front end of a critical one-and-one in the waning seconds with FSU clinging to a two point lead. On the night the Seminoles shot 32% from the field, 18% from 3, and 53% from the line. All of this against a defense that came into the game ranked 10^th in the ACC. They played a zone for the first 38 minutes of the night, and any coach who does otherwise needs to have his head examined.

The fact that we won is a testament to how good we are on defense. Malcolm Grant scored 20 (on 6-15 shooting), but no other Hurricane was in double digits. Durand Scott was held to 8 points on 3-12 shooting and committed 4 turnovers. Reggie Johnson had a quiet night with 7 points.

It was an ugly, ugly game, but give the team credit for stealing one on the road. Duke and Boston College both won earlier in the night, so Florida State held serve to maintain a tie in 1^st place. Now we travel back home to face BC on Saturday.